2 dermoid cysts discovered

Hi, I've just had 2 dermoid cysts diagnosed. The right one is 11cm and the left is 4cm. I'm scheduled for an MRI on Thursday and I'm already panicking about what else they might find. Although I have been told they are not showing any sinister,  cancerous signs so fingers crossed. I am not in any pain, they are not causing heavy periods although my periods are more frequent than before. I've had no confirmation as yet that the cysts are causing this or whether this is the result of being a 44 year old perimenopausal woman. I've also been given conflicting advice - that the 11cm one is too big to cause tortion and twist. But also that it needs to be removed. I don't want the operation! I'm not in pain and there are no additional symptoms. I'm now additionally scared that the second cyst has been discovered in case removal of both ovaries or a full hysterectomy is recommended. I've read a study done by Imperial College in Feb 2019 that suggested waiting and regular monitoring is becoming a recognised option to surgery. Is anyone else doing this, please? 

  • Hi VT_dermoid,

    Just wanted to add my input. I have, what is thought, a 4.5cm dermoid cyst on one ovary. Same age as you (but soon to be 45). My periods have been increasingly out of whack hence heading for hysteroscopy as I have small fibroids and possible polyp in uterus. 

    My cyst is on a watch and wait but after chatting to my Gynacologist it will most likely be removed in future due to possible twisting.

    If you need any further info just let me know xx

    Clare1975 

  • Hi Clare, 

    thank you for getting in touch. I suspect I'll be advised to have the smaller one removed in case it twists and to have the big one removed because it's so large. I'm not sure I'm going to escape surgery. I'm really hoping I can keep the ovaries though. It sounds silly but as I'm not in pain and they aren't causing problems, I feel like it would be discarding bits of my body for no real reason. I'd prefer to keep them! Or am I just in denial....